HUL Q4 profit soars 45% to Rs2,190 cr, revenue jumps 35% to Rs12,433 cr

Hindustan Unilever Ltd, the country’s largest consumer products company, has reported a 44.8 per cent year-on-year increase in its fiscal fourth quarter net profit, at Rs2,190 crore, despite the operational hitches brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic.

HUL had reported a consolidated net profit of Rs1,512 crore in the year-ago quarter.

Consolidated revenue from operations for the quarter climbed 35 per cent to Rs12,433 crore, while domestic consumer growth (excluding the impact of merger of GSK Consumer Healthcare and acquisition of 'VWash') stood at 21 per cent with underlying volume growth of 16 per cent.

However, volume declined by 7 per cent in the January-March 2021 quarter against a 4 per cent growth in the October-December quarter of 2020.

Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) at Rs 3,043 crore was up 44.9 per cent while margin growth was up 170 bps at 24.5 per cent for the March quarter.

"Health, hygiene and nutrition forming 80 per cent of business grew in double-digits for the third consecutive quarter, while discretionary and out-of-home categories improved sequentially," the company stated in a BSE filing.

"Our in-quarter performance was strong on both the topline and bottomline. Despite challenging times, in FY21 our business ecosystem has withstood the disruption and demonstrated agility and resilience across the value chain. We have delivered on our multi stakeholder business model. Our focus firmly remains behind delivering volume led competitive growth," said Sanjiv Mehta, chairman and managing director.

The recent surge in COVID cases is of serious concern and ensuring the safety and well-being of people remains the top priority, he added.

Other income fell considerably to Rs109 crore in Q4FY21, compared to Rs266 crore in the year-ago period.

"We continue to invest behind brands and portfolio, and in future-fit capabilities. Our focused actions on net revenue management and savings have enabled us to manage inflationary pressures and deliver a healthy bottomline performance," the company stated.

HUL said its beauty and personal care business posted a healthy 19.7 per cent year-on-year growth at Rs4,549 crore with earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) rising 32.5 per cent to Rs1,252 crore in Q4 of FY21. "Skin cleansing, hair care and oral care delivered high double-digit growth," said HUL in its filing.

Home care business revenue in Q4 grew 14.6 per cent to Rs3,838 crore with EBIT rising 27.7 per cent to Rs812 crore compared to the year-ago quarter, on the back of a strong recovery in fabric wash.

"Household care continued its strong performance delivering double-digit growth. Liquids and fabric sensations continue to outperform benefitting from robust market development initiatives," HUL stated.

Food and refreshments segment reported a stunning 96.4 per cent year-on-year growth at Rs3,511 crore in Q4 and its EBIT increased 2.5-fold to Rs575 crore during the quarter.

"All our tea brands continue to grow in high double-digits. Ketchups, soups and ice creams also performed well with double-digit growths. Ice creams recovery in the quarter was aided by multiple product innovations. Nutrition volumes grew in double digits and we launched Rs2 sachets in Horlicks and Boost," HUL said.

For the full financial year FY21, HUL said its consolidated profit grew 18.4 per cent to Rs7,999 crore and revenue increased 18.2 per cent to Rs47,028 crore compared to the previous year. "We managed Covid challenges well and sustained strong cash generation," HUL said.

The profit before tax was Rs. 10,490 crores, up from Rs. 9,092 crores the year before. Depreciation and amortization were Rs. 1,012 crores for the year, compared to Rs. 938 crores the previous year.

The company recommended a final dividend of Rs17 per share for the financial year ended March 2021. The cumulative dividend for the financial year ended 31 March 2021 amounts to Rs31.00 per share of the face value of Re1 each, including the interim dividend of Rs14.00 per share paid on 12 November 2020.